Frank E. Beach Memorial Fountain, Abstract stainless steel fountain in International Rose Test Garden, United States
The Frank E. Beach Memorial Fountain is a stainless steel structure composed of vertical posts and horizontal beams arranged in geometric forms within a sunken garden section. Water flows through the steel framework and collects in a reflecting pool at its base.
The sculpture was commissioned in 1974 by the Beach family to honor Frank E. Beach, who championed Portland's identity as the City of Roses. His influence shaped the development of the city's rose-focused horticultural programs and reputation.
The fountain sits within one of the world's most important rose collections and represents Portland's deep horticultural heritage. Visitors experience how the sculpture connects to the city's identity as a rose-growing center.
The fountain is accessible daily at no charge through Washington Park's pathway network, which includes wheelchair-accessible routes throughout the grounds. Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, when rose blooms surround the sculpture and nearby paths are most active.
Water flowing through the steel framework creates different sounds depending on seasonal water flow and weather conditions, making each visit acoustically distinct. This auditory dimension transforms the sculpture from a purely visual object into a multisensory experience that shifts with natural conditions.
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